Helen and Antonio’s Wedding Reception at The Carolina Club on October 11th

World travelers Helen and Antonio chose UNC’s Carolina Club for their reception on a picture perfect Sunday evening after their ceremony at University United Methodist Church.  I haven’t played there in a while and was really looking forward to seeing Elizabeth Rubio again and, of course, playing for Helen, Antonio and their guests.  As guests arrived for the outdoor cocktail hour I had a mix of standards and classic soul playing. Helen and Antonio arrived after pics were taken by Brett Fox photography and were ready to get the party started.  The doors to the ballroom opened and the 150 guests found their tables.

The wedding party was introduced to “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder and Helen and Antonio to “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love” by Barry White.  They came to the dance floor and had their first dance to “Heavenly Day” by Patty Griffin followed by a heartfelt welcome by Helen’s father and blessing by Reverend Taylor.  The salads and entrées came out and I continued a mix of standards and classic soul along with some soft rock.

 

After dinner Helen’s mother said a few words and I could tell this was a very, very important day for her. I really was one of the sweetest speeches!  The toasts followed and the De’ Lure Desserts cake cutting to “Loving You Is Easy” by Zac Brown Band.  Helen then met her father on the floor for their very special dance to “Ashokan Farewell” and Antonio escorted his mother to the floor to dance to “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack.  I opened the floor with “Carolina Girls” and some Motown and top 40 that filled it for the next 2 hours. 

We paused briefly for a special Birthday dance for Helen’s father to “That’s Amore” and he danced with both his daughters while others joined them on the floor, then back to dancing until the end of the night.  We ended the night with “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne followed by “Laid” by James.  I love both of those songs sop much!  What was supposed to be Helen and Antonio’s last dance “Let’s Stay Together” followed, but they weren’t ready to leave yet so I played a couple more songs and then “Last Dance” by Donna Summer.  What a fun night and sweet couple.  Thank you Helen and Antonio for the cufflinks and Antonio, thank you for your service to our country!!